Basal glucose metabolism and peripheral insulin sensitivity in equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.

Background: Glucocorticoids are suggested to precipitate laminitis and induce insulin resistance in horses.

Hypothesis/objectives: To assess insulin sensitivity and the basal amount of glucose metabolized in equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

Animals And Methods: The euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) technique was performed in seven horses with a diagnosis of PPID based on the presence of hypertrichosis and positive dexamethasone suppression-test results comprising one gelding and six mares with a mean age of 21.